Trump’s Promise to End the Russia-Ukraine War: A Complex and Contentious Mission
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s Firm Stance
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confidently asserted that President Donald Trump’s leadership would soon bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Waltz declared, "Under Trump, this war will end. And it will end soon."
Negotiations with Russia: A Controversial Approach
Waltz defended the Trump administration’s decision to engage in negotiations with Russia, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Vice President JD Vance. "You can’t end a war unless you talk to both sides, and that’s what we’re doing," Waltz emphasized.
Coordination with Allies and Ukraine
Waltz highlighted the United States’ efforts to coordinate with Ukraine, Russia, and European allies to determine each party’s needs in order to secure a peace deal. He emphasized the importance of understanding the perspectives of all involved parties.
Trump’s Frustration with Zelenskyy
Waltz acknowledged Trump’s growing frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He stated that U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg’s discussions with Ukrainian officials aimed to convey the urgency of ending the war.
"It certainly isn’t in Russia’s interest or in the American people’s interest for this war to grind on forever and ever and ever," Waltz remarked. "So a key part of his conversation was helping President Zelenskyy understand this war needs to come to an end."
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy
The increased pressure on Ukraine to reach a peace agreement stems from the recent escalation of tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy. Both leaders have traded insults following meetings between U.S. and Russian officials.
Ukraine was not included in these meetings, prompting Zelenskyy to assert that "nobody decides anything behind our back." He has repeatedly stated that Kyiv will not consent to any peace negotiation without Ukraine’s involvement.
A War of Words and Accusations
Zelenskyy accused Trump of spreading Russian "disinformation," while Trump labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator" who had failed his country. Trump further suggested that Ukraine had instigated the war, despite the fact that Russia initiated the invasion in February 2022.
Diplomatic Efforts in Riyadh
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Waltz engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs advisor, Yuri Ushakov, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. The goal was to explore ways to end the conflict.
U.S. Commitment to Sustainable Peace
U.S. officials have also met with Ukrainian counterparts to discuss a peace deal. Kellogg affirmed in a recent statement that the United States remains dedicated to ending the war and establishing sustainable peace.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine represent a complex and contentious undertaking. While National Security Advisor Mike Waltz expresses confidence in Trump’s ability to end the war, the tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy, as well as the ongoing coordination with Russia, raise questions about the feasibility and acceptability of any potential agreement.